New Website and Blog

This is the final post on this blog. Our new blog is located at our new website: http://www.saraphotography.com.

Please visit us there and redirect any bookmarks to the new site.

Welcome to the world, new website and logo!

Born: May 18th, 2011 at 1:15am in Decatur, Georgia and the world over
Weighing: 12 pages and 7 galleries
Width: 978 pixels

I knew you were ok when, instead of waiting for your cry, all your links worked! I breathed a big sigh of relief and knew all the months of waiting were worth this one moment.

I hope you love the new website. My hope was to create a site that was easier to navigate (and one you could see on your smartphone), prettier to look at, more dynamic with a Facebook connection, and contained a lot more information that you would find, well, informative. As with every website we've had, the toughest decisions were choosing images to include. Thanks to everyone who allowed us into your homes and your lives to capture such beautiful moments. Your smiling faces, warm hugs and silly laughter make this new home one we are ecstatic to live in!

Subscribe to our new blog here.

Love: Elizabeth & Joe get married

The weather forecast for Saturday was sunny, low humidity and high in the upper 70's = perfect weather for Elizabeth and Joe to get married. And I knew this was a great sign that their emotional day would be everything they hoped for. All the planning and stress surrounding wedding planning can get overwhelming, but when the day finally comes, my best advice is to just enjoy it. Try as much as you can to live in the moment and make a mental note of everything that you're feeling and all the details of the day. Because the goal isn't to have a perfect day (that isn't even possible.) The goal is to make that commitment to your partner and celebrate the beginning of your life together with all your friends and family. And that's exactly what Elizabeth and Joe did.

I've had an opportunity to get to know them pretty well over the last few months photographing their engagement portrait, two wedding showers and the rehearsal dinner, so witnessing their "I do's" was really special. Their love for each other and the comfort they feel with one another is palpable. It's something I recognized the first time we met. In the face of obstacles and difficulties, it's clear that their partnership is strong and unwavering. Congratulations Elizabeth and Joe!

Venue: The Mary Gay House, Decatur, Georgia
Florist: Carithers
Caterer: Zest Atlanta
Rings: Alexander's of Atlanta
Ceremony Music: Nick Edelstein
Reception Music: Nick & the Grooves
Thanks to Josh Lamkin for second shooting. You rocked it.

Click the image to watch the slideshow.
And show some love for Elizabeth and Joe by leaving a comment below.

Client Rooms: Building a Collection

Another beautiful example of how to display your favorite portraits in your home. This Fine Art Metal Cluster will grow with little Nora. The first piece in the Cluster is this adorable picture of Nora all curled up at 14 days old. As she grows, we'll add two 11x14's below it to complete the collection.

Because the Clusters are individual pieces, we can rearrange, add to or even separate the pieces onto different walls. The Collections and Clusters both offer this great versatility for growing families.

By photographing the portrait in the nursery, not only was Nora comfortable (and clothing and diapers were close-by for changes), but the portraits automatically match the color and decor of the room. It's the perfect way to take away the stress of worrying whether it will fit in the room.

Plus, by using the wooden blocks, found in her room that spell out her name, we've added an element of nostalgia that I love.

Follow-Up: The Great Cloth Diaper Change - Atlanta

The Great Cloth Diaper Change event went great! On Saturday, 48 babies had their diaper changed at the exact same time as thousands of others all over the world. The goal was to set a Guinness Book of World Record by changing the most cloth diapers at one time. It was a bit chaotic, as you can imagine with that many babies and their parents and siblings, but everyone had fun and some families even took home some great raffle prizes.

Cloth diapers are so much better for the environment than disposable ones so if you're able, make the change to cloth. Based on the new designs I saw on Saturday, there are some really cute patterns that may add some extra motivation to make the switch. The few portraits I've photographed where baby wore a cloth diaper, the splash of color and pattern from diaper was so fun.

Natural Parenting Atlanta hosted the event at Leapin' Lizards. Thanks to James Adam Hill Photography for photographing the event with me, and Mimi's Murals for decorating the chalk board - so pretty! Here are a few pictures from the event.

Having some fun with daddy while they waited in the registration line.

Checking in at registration.

I couldn't keep my eyes off this beautiful 2-month old. How precious is she?

Holding up the cloth diapers.

If you'd like to view the rest of the pictures - CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PHOTOS FROM THE GREAT CLOTH DIAPER CHANGE: ATLANTA EVENT.

Congratulations to our New SpokesMAMA!

Congratulations to our newest SpokesMAMA contest winner - Tracey Grant! Tracey won our SpokesMAMA Contest for 6-8 year old kids. Tracey is enthusiastic and creative and her son, Jacob, will be wonderful for our alternative school portraits. I'll create a series of pictures of Jacob that are fun, and expressive of his personality and his interests. And at the very end, we'll do a side-by-side comparison of his last school portrait with his new pictures. So fun.

Here's a bit of what Tracey wrote in her application:

Sara's pictures tell a story of who your child or family is. She captures those everyday moments that make up our lives and illuminates the magic and beauty that would otherwise be gone in an instant.

Congratulations Tracey, Jacob and the whole Grant family!

Our next SpokesMAMA Contest is for newborns. This is a popular contest so if you're interested in applying, be sure you're a fan of our Facebook page and you're on our enewsletter list so you can be first to know when the contest opens.

SpokesMAMA window decal

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 26: The Great Cloth Diaper Change

Tomorrow, Saturday April 23rd, we are photographing The Great Cloth Diaper Change event for the Guinness Book of World Records. The challenge? Change the most cloth diapers at the exact same moment. If you have a child who is less than 39" tall, join us to set the record and get into the picture that goes in the record book.

The Great Cloth Diaper Change Event
Learn more at the event website. Please note that admission and participation are free but RSVP is required.

Can't wait to see you there tomorrow!

Leapin' Lizards
185 Sams Street
Decatur, GA 30030

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 25: Happy Earth Day!

After a couple weeks of being seriously sick, pulling my back and traveling, I have finally rejoined the world and all the goodness of spring. Thanks for your patience - the most recent SpokesMAMA Contest winner will be announced soon and I will post some pictures from the Easter Bunny Event we had at Salon Red Kids on Sunday. If you ever feel an itching to know what's happening here at the studio, check out our Facebook page. I hate to admit it but I do update there more often than here on the blog. There's something about being able to type just a few words or post a link that is so much less time-consuming than an entire blog post. And it doesn't hurt that so many of you respond and post comments there as well. I definitely feel the love. :)

Happy Earth Day! Hope you have a chance to get outside today and enjoy the outdoors with your family. If I had my way, I'd have my studio outside - well, at least while the weather is good. I love being outside. I always feel so refreshed even if it's just a short walk to the mailbox.

In the vein of Earth Day and protecting our planet, and because I absolutely love re-purposing things - giving items new life as something for which it was never intended - I thought it'd be fun to show you some great items (perfect for Mother's Day) that are upcycled and simply really cool and fun.

One of my fabulous clients owns a business called Tickleworm (how cute is that!) creating upcycled items. Rachel finds old sweaters, cuts, sews and sometimes stuffs to make vintage one-of-a-kind scarfs, wristbands, tooth fairy pouches, cell phone cases and more. One of my favorite parts are the vintage buttons she uses. Don't you just love these?

Scarf

Ornaments


Purse/Pouch


Tooth-Fairy Pillows

I love that she uses existing materials to make fun and unique pieces. By using found items, she's keeping them from going in the trash and truly creating art from something that would otherwise be passed over.

Visit her website and her Etsy shop to order and let her know that I sent you.

SpokesMAMA Pictures!

Erinleigh won our SpokesMAMA Contest for kids 6 months to 2 years old. And this past weekend I went to their home for their session. When I arrived Eli was cozy napping in his crib but soon woke up for a fun few hours of pictures.

Eli recently discovered his feet.


Love this one! Daddy and Eli



Fresh and fun. Mom and Eli

One of the many things I love about photographing in my clients' homes is using interesting furniture and items found in the house. Erinleigh discovered this rocking chair for Eli's room at a yard sale. A bright coat of paint make it perfect for spring pictures!



Happy family!

Another great find from their home. This basket does double duty as laundry basket...and a prop.

Congratulations to Erinleigh, George and Eli on being our SpokesMAMA family! Want to learn how you can receive a free portrait session package, t-shirt, and more in our SpokesMAMA Contest? Our current contest is for mamas of kids 6 - 8 years old. Check it out here.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 24: Meet the Easter Bunny

Salon Red Kids and Sara Speert Photography invite you to meet the Easter Bunny!
Learn more about the event and register now.

After getting my haircut at the main salon two doors down, I stopped by the kids salon and their front window looks so cute - all ready for the Easter Bunny event and your adorable kids! (Please excuse the fuzziness of my iPhone pictures)

Picture of the Day - My Family

Last weekend Nick and I flew out to Seattle for some much needed family time. Our adorable niece is growing up so quickly - it's hard to believe she'll be three this summer! It was great to spend some stress-free time with my brother and sister-in-law in their home and around town.

The long weekend was filled with lots of everything... delicious home-cooked Shabbat dinner, sushi from a conveyor belt, pink cupcakes,

hide and seek,


bike-riding,




drawing with chalk, bristle blocks, walking to get bagels,




playing in the van (Elizabeth wanted to show me what it's like to
drive and ride in the van to the campsite.)






hide and seek (again!), a visit to the children's museum,
gourmet doughnuts, reading books, playing dollhouse and play-kitchen,


making silly faces,


and cozy naps.

But the best part is listening to her. She has a lot to say and has a great vocabulary, and it's so fun to listen to her at this age. Everything is "why?" and when she says our names, it's actually "Un Nih and Ann Saya." Seriously, just hearing our names makes me melt. She also repeats a lot that she hears. Jeff calls her a parakeet, ha! Kathleen got her saying "Whatever, dude" which got us all laughing hysterically.

Can't wait to see them all again soon on Skype. (Isn't Skype just awesome?!) Have a great rest of the weekend with your family!

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 23: Meet the Easter Bunny @ Salon Red Kids

Meet the Easter Bunny at Salon Red Kids and have your picture taken with us!
A few sessions are still available.
No sitting fee and enlargement packages begin at $35.

Schedule your appointment by calling the salon at 404-377-6230.


And check out our new logo on the poster!
We're so excited about it, our new business cards and our new website.
Coming soon...

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 22: Amazing Stop-Motion Music Video

Just a really amazing stop-motion music video. I can't imagine how long it must have taken to create this but it is awe inspiring. Plus, I love turtles. Enjoy!

New SpokesMAMA Contest - Alternative to School Portraits, 6 - 8 year olds

We're excited to announce the next SpokesMAMA Contest begins TODAY!

Standard posed school portraits can be rushed, uncomfortable and unnatural. Shouldn't our kids pictures say more about them than what color their hair and eyes are, and whether they tilted their head the right way? We think so.

We offer an alternative to those stiff portraits, capturing real life and natural moments. And unlike school portraits, our sessions include the whole family. By incorporating meaningful activities and personal items into the portrait sessions, these documentary photographs are expressive of your child and his/her relationships with all the members of your family. And we’re giving away a complete portrait package to one lucky family.

Complete the SpokesMAMA application, including uploading or mailing a copy of your child's school portrait, by April 17th to win a full portrait session package including a 2-hour Portrait Session, $250 product credit, 25% discount on a second Portrait Session package, a t-shirt, car window decal and some serious bragging rights.

Want to know more? Learn more about the contest here - SpokesMAMA Contest.

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Plus, tweet or post to your Facebook status to be entered to win a $50 gift certificate. Post daily and we'll draw one name randomly when the contest ends. The more you tweet or post, the better your chances!

[Copy and Paste into your status]

Twitter : Atlanta moms, become a #SpokesMAMA & win an alternative school portrait session for your 6-8 yr old w/ @saraphotography http://bit.ly/ekE5Gd

Facebook (you must be a fan and tag our studio fan page for it to count): Atlanta moms, win an alternative school portrait session for your 6-8 yr old in the #SpokesMAMA Contest at (@sara speert photography) by 4/17. http://bit.ly/ekE5Gd

SpokesMAMA Baby - And the winner is...

Erinleigh Kinyanjui...Congratulations Erinleigh!

Thanks to everyone who applied and everyone who spread the word about it. We couldn't have done it without you! Our first SpokesMAMA Contest of 2011 received more applications than any other contest last year, our inaugural year for the contest.

The decision was so tough. Erinleigh won us over because she was so eloquent yet down-to-earth when she described herself and her love of our children's portraits.

I love the use of natural light and the intimacy of shooting in the subjects' home and other familiar locations. I HATE pose-y pictures, so the photo-journalistic style combined with her amazing eye is priceless. I think SSP is different (.... because although) other photographers may have a similar .... gear, etc... when you look at Sara's pictures you can feel the moments that were captured. They are beautiful pictures that reflect memories and are artistic to boot!

In addition to being a mom, she writes her own blog, volunteers at her church and even writes screenplays for local elementary schools. She seems like super-mom to us and we're thrilled to award her with the SpokesMAMA badge.

The next SpokesMAMA Contest is for moms of kids 6-8 years old. At this age, our kids are getting used to sitting for school pictures. ("Cheese!" Ah, those dreaded words!) And while many of those pictures turn out great, for most of us, they really don't say anything much about who are kids are. Shouldn't a picture say more than, "Yes, I have brown hair and blue eyes and my head is tilted the right way." LOL

We'd like to introduce an alternative to those posed, unnatural, uncomfortable and pressured portraits. And we'd like to include the whole family! Learn more about the next contest here and please spread the word. Please use #SpokesMAMA and @saraphotography when tweeting. The contest begins on March 17th.

Check back soon for pictures from Erinleigh's portrait session and if you see a SpokesMAMA sticker on the back of a car as you're driving around Atlanta, be sure to say congratulations! Plus, she'll have a special gift for you too!

And because no post is complete without a photo, enjoy this adorable moment I captured a few weeks ago of 4 year old Will showing off his awesome bedroom.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 21: Boutique Sale

It's time for the children's boutique warehouse sale. Save up to 70% on adorable clothing for your adorable kids from over 16 local stores including our new partner, Salon Red Kids. (Stay tuned for some exciting news about what we'll be doing with them soon.)

Here are the details:

Children's Warehouse Sale
When: Saturday, February 19th 9am - 5pm
Where: Atlantic Station, next to Dillard's, (404)876 1359
How much: Admission: $5 (a portion goes to Path to Shine, an after-school tutoring program)

Can't wait to see some of those new bright and fun clothes at your next portrait session!

Picture of the Day - Atlanta Newborn Portrait: Nora

14-day old Nora is a bundle of cuteness. Her newborn portrait session was a wonderful time to document her tininess, her innocence and all that beautiful hair!

As soon as I walked into her nursery, I spotted these adorable wooden blocks and knew they'd be perfect in pictures. I love that she's in the middle of that "sentence." So scrumptious!

Amy's Holiday Party

In December, we were asked to photograph a wonderful event called Amy's Holiday Party. Since she was 13 years old, Amy Zeide has been organizing and hosting this party for homeless, foster and refugee children in the Atlanta area. What started as a party for 25 children has turned into a massive event for 800+ children and their families, 300 volunteers, countless donations of toys and games. We love donating our time to events like this. Seeing how much the children and their families were affected by the party was so meaningful and was a great reminder of what is really important in the midst all the chaos of the holiday season.

Here are some highlights from the day.

The event took place at the Holiday Inn Turner Field.
Thankfully the snow flurries didn't seem to keep anyone away.


An entire room was filled with toys and each child chose two to take with them.


Amy Zeide (L), Tara Kornblum (3rd) and two volunteers


One of the many games the kids played.


The butterfly on her face made this little girl SO happy.


WSB TV interviews Amy about the event.


Jason's Deli donated lunch for everyone.


So excited to have a new truck for Christmas!

Client Rooms: Collage

You may remember one of the portrait sessions I did back in the summer in Brooklyn, NY of Clara. Now that New York is blanketed in snow, it may be a little hard to remember wearing short sleeves and tank tops, but the Rock Collage they have will be a nice reminder. Since I couldn't deliver it in person, the next best thing was to photograph it in my own home and I must say that the green wall in our dining room really makes it pop!

The Collage is printed on Fine Art Metal and stands off the wall about an inch. It's a really modern and unique way to display their favorite pictures as a story in one cohesive piece.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 20

On Tuesday, I installed a gallery of baby and kids portraits at the Peachtree-Dunwoody Road location of Roswell OB-GYN. I am so excited because I think it complements the excitement that expectant mothers are already feeling. Going to all those prenatal appointments can also be nerve-racking, so I hope that these beautiful pictures of happy healthy babies and families will bring them some peace and keep them thinking positive thoughts (even through the nausea!)

Our galleries of fine art portrait photography can engage customers, elevate the ambiance and style of a room, and encourage conversation. Just during the short time that I was at the doctor's office installing the gallery, at least a dozen people came over to see the photos, oooh and ahh over the adorable kids in the photos (of course!), and conversations just took off from there. In fact, I heard someone at the front desk saying how difficult it is to photograph her own kids - they won't sit still - she said. Who else can relate to that, right?

We are looking for other locations to create displays like this. So if you know of a space that would benefit from something like this, let us know!



The gallery images I chose include clients from a range of locations: Atlanta, Decatur, Emory, Grant Park, Lithonia, Dunwoody, and even Brooklyn, NY! And I adore the little shoes hanging off the wall that are holding my business cards. Thanks to my new friend, Carl, for that genius idea. They are so eye-catching and add some additional fun to the gallery.